MUST wins...

[Lefteye]

I've thought about this but it's impossible to root against the Vols so if you have that "numb" mentality before games, it helps when we lose. Expect it but celebrate if we win. Still, it's a shame that Jordan McRae and Stokes wouldn't get a chance to play in the big dance.
Also, out of those 50 coaches, we probably don't pay 45 what they want.

Agree and even tho neither has really produced like we wanted, the same for Maymon with all the work and discouragement with his rehab he has had to endure.

And Barton earned his degree in 3 yrs. So he obviously has done what he is suppose to as a student athlete.

 

[Rudy123]

I've thought about this but it's impossible to root against the Vols so if you have that "numb" mentality before games, it helps when we lose. Expect it but celebrate if we win. Still, it's a shame that Jordan McRae and Stokes wouldn't get a chance to play in the big dance.

Also, out of those 50 coaches, we probably don't pay 45 what they want.

You are correct! Football is KING and the basketball coach will NOT get paid more than the football coach. So, the likelihood of hiring a winning basketball coach is not good. Shaka Kahn, Byrd, Marshall, etc. will not come to U.T. without a big check.

If you are a good coach, then it is not likely that you would want to play second fiddle to the football team your whole tenure at U.T.

If you will recall, Bear Bryant left Kentucky because even though he won the S.E.C. one season, all of the respect went to Rupp, the basketball coach.

 

[JonGrudensAgent]

Is it more fulfilling to be miserable and defeated, devoid of any hope?

Your take on my mental state is laughable.

Being a realist and being happy are not mutually exclusive.

 

[Shaun1985]

You are correct! Football is KING and the basketball coach will NOT get paid more than the football coach. So, the likelihood of hiring a winning basketball coach is not good. Shaka Kahn, Byrd, Marshall, etc. will not come to U.T. without a big check.

If you are a good coach, then it is not likely that you would want to play second fiddle to the football team your whole tenure at U.T.

If you will recall, Bear Bryant left Kentucky because even though he won the S.E.C. one season, all of the respect went to Rupp, the basketball coach.

I like...

 

[cncchris33]

Your take on my mental state is laughable.

Being a realist and being happy are not mutually exclusive.

Wasn't really a take on your mental state specifically. More of a lack of options in general. I'd rather hold onto the hope that we can still make the tourney while it's mathematically possible than just concede defeat with still a fighting chance. That doesn't mean I'm happy with the direction of our program either.

Your post seemed to imply that those of us who still feel we have a shot at the tournament were sipping the kool-aid.

Being optimistic and being happy aren't mutually exclusive either.

 

[JonGrudensAgent]

Per your sources?

It's either players not running the plays called or the two best players on the team not meshing.

Either way, it's pretty obvious to anyone actually watching the games that there is a chemistry issue with Stokes and McRae or they are just tuning Martin out and not running the plays called per his quotes in the TFP in the Brown article.

Paint it however you want but you don't need sources to see what is going on isn't working too well right now.

And when your best and most consistent player is talking about not getting touches and your coach is basically saying the guys aren't running the plays he calls, then it's obvious there is a disconnect somewhere.

Please feel free to continue with the sunshine pumping however.

 

[Shaun1985]

You are correct! Football is KING and the basketball coach will NOT get paid more than the football coach. So, the likelihood of hiring a winning basketball coach is not good. Shaka Kahn, Byrd, Marshall, etc. will not come to U.T. without a big check.

If you are a good coach, then it is not likely that you would want to play second fiddle to the football team your whole tenure at U.T.

If you will recall, Bear Bryant left Kentucky because even though he won the S.E.C. one season, all of the respect went to Rupp, the basketball coach.

And honestly, I don't understand this. I do understand that football pays bills around here but at the same time, basketball pays its own bills. We are capable of having two high paid coaches. I don't expect basketball to be on footballs level but there is no reason why we can't go out and hire a winner and spend some money on it.

Also, I thought Bryant actually left Kentucky because of the gambling scandel and recruiting restrictions against the school. I have always heard the Caddilac story but that's untrue. Either way, BIG 10 football / basketball has taught me that you can be successful in both and have high profile coaches at both. Surely, these schools don't have that much more money than UT or more interest. CUM / Tressel and Matta at Ohio State, Michigan State and even Michigan. Georgia Tech use to be a force in football and basketball...plenty of programs and no reason UT can't pay for two top dollar coaches.

 

[knowthevols]

And honestly, I don't understand this. I do understand that football pays bills around here but at the same time, basketball pays its own bills. We are capable of having two high paid coaches. I don't expect basketball to be on footballs level but there is no reason why we can't go out and hire a winner and spend some money on it.

Also, I thought Bryant actually left Kentucky because of the gambling scandel and recruiting restrictions against the school. I have always heard the Caddilac story but that's untrue. Either way, BIG 10 football / basketball has taught me that you can be successful in both and have high profile coaches at both. Surely, these schools don't have that much more money than UT or more interest. CUM / Tressel and Matta at Ohio State, Michigan State and even Michigan. Georgia Tech use to be a force in football and basketball...plenty of programs and no reason UT can't pay for two top dollar coaches.

Why are you complaining. Pearl is a top dollar coach.

 

[Sudden Impact]

This team is dangerously close to checking out on Martin similar to the football team and Dooley in KY a few years ago.

Kudos to you guys still holding out hope that they actually make the tourney.

True This....

 

[JonGrudensAgent]

Wasn't really a take on your mental state specifically. More of a lack of options in general. I'd rather hold onto the hope that we can still make the tourney while it's mathematically possible than just concede defeat with still a fighting chance. That doesn't mean I'm happy with the direction of our program either.

Your post seemed to imply that those of us who still feel we have a shot at the tournament were sipping the kool-aid.

Being optimistic and being happy aren't mutually exclusive either.

Absolutely agreed with this and, in fact, I congratulated those who think they still have a shot at the tourney in my original post.

I frankly don't see it and I see a lot of potential issues bubbling up with this team chemistry wise.

Instead of respecting that opinion, you make some BS remark about being miserable instead from something you "inferred" from a simple statement instead of actually trying to back up why you think they will make the tourney and offering an opinion.

Just like the other guy calls for a source.

You guys can't handle a dissenting opinion and have no other recourse except playing the negavol card or the fan card.

 

[cncchris33]

Absolutely agreed with this and, in fact, I congratulated those who think they still have a shot at the tourney in my original post.

I frankly don't see it and I see a lot of potential issues bubbling up with this team chemistry wise.

Instead of respecting that opinion, you make some BS remark about being miserable instead from something you "inferred" from a simple statement instead of actually trying to back up why you think they will make the tourney and offering an opinion.

Just like the other guy calls for a source.

You guys can't handle a dissenting opinion and have no other recourse except playing the negavol card or the fan card.

Okay. I think you're waaaay overanalyzing my original statement.

First of all, your "congratulations" seemed to have some sarcastic undertone. If it was genuine, then I apologize, but the assumption that it wasn't was the basis for my response. Given the nature of this forum lately, it seemed reasonable that it was to be taken as a slight.

I agree with you about the potential chemistry issues, and it's possible that your comment, which was actually based in intelligble thought, was whitewashed by all the rampant negativity which is based in an unhealthy obsession with our former coach.

As for differing opinions, I respect those that are rational. I RARELY EVER pull the fan card or negavol card. In fact, I can't think of a single time I've ever done it, but won't rule it out completely. I think you have me incorrectly pegged there.

 

[HBCButch]

I feel like we can afford to lose 2 more times but can't lose to certain teams from how the SEC schedules are set up. Auburn and TX AM play their game last in their season. TN looks to have the easiest schedule remaining.

Must wins:
Georgia
@Miss St
Vandy
Mizzou

Affordable losses:
@TX AM
@Auburn

There's no way TX AM and Auburn are 'affordable losses'. They pretty much all have to be wins to impress anybody and then a couple in the SECT. GA is out of the way as I'm posting now. The rest are winnable games. Mizzou aint the boogie man. They aren't even that good. All of you saying UT is some kind of lock in the NCAAT floundering like they are, are listening to the same people who told Scotty Hopson he was a sure thing to be drafted. Better check your numbers and sources.

 

[HBCButch]

For the long term health of the men's basketball program, I am hoping that we lose just enough games to prevent us from making the NCAA.

If that means losing just one more game, and winning the rest, then I am happy.

As long as Martin is coaching the program, I don't see us making the NCAA, ever. I can name at least 50 coaches who would have this team in the easily in the NCAA.

Some of the coaches that I have in mind were coaches that U.T. didn't hire when Pearl left. For instance, Byrd from Belmont, Marshall from Whitchia State

If he can't coach this roster, which is healthy and has seasoned players, then he won't be able to coach any future U.T. to the NCAA. However other coaches out there could/would do so.

Let's lose enough games to ensure that we don't make the NCAA and send Martin packing. He will be much happier at a mid major school where he has less pressure on himself.

Would some of you all shut up about Byrd?? He's coached in the Atlantic Sun and now the Ohio Valley. CUONZO coached well in the Mizzou Valley himself. Stop trying to make the dude to be more than he is. In the Atlantic Sun he had monsters like Kennesaw St and Gardner Webb to deal with. Sends chills down my spine just thinking about it. Maybe he hasn't left Belmont because he enjoys obscurity.

 

[SPRINGHILLVOL]

Vanderbilt game could be killer....If Tennessee scores 60 points, I think they lose...Vanderbilt plays hard all game long. Tennessee does not. Vandy does win close games...Sorry to say Vandy coach will big time outcoach Martin...Need production from Barton, Thompson, and Moore...If point guards and bench do not produce, Tennessee will lose close game. If Tennessee scores 65+ points, I think they win..

By the way, Dale Ellis jersey retired......see his record below:
Dale Ellis jersey retired Saturday:

Dale Ellis may be 2nd best player in Tenn. history..2 time consensus All American . In college Devoe made him play mostly inside. 81-82 season shot 65% from the field.. in pros played 19 seasons!!. Seventh all time 3 point shooter...In four years 1986 thru 1989 averaged 25.4 points per game. Best season 1988-1989 with Seattle averaged 27.5 points per game. Three point percentage...47.8...Only Tennessee players in his league.. King, Houston, Grunfield.. maybe Lofton...in pros, Ellis in the pros unbelievable 3 point shooter.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Vandy is no pushover, and Stallings has those guys playing hard, this won't be an easy game.